Italian Heritage Work Visa Explained: Requirements, Process, and Who Qualifies

by Adriana ruiz

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Recent changes in Italian immigration law, particularly Article 1-bis of Law 74/2025, offer a new opportunity for individuals with Italian ancestry to work in Italy. This visa, linked to Article 27 of Legislative Decree 286/98, allows descendants of Italian citizens to obtain a work permit, visa, and residence permit for subordinate work, bypassing the usual quota limitations.

Key Features:

• No Quota Limits: Unlike many work visas, this visa is not subject to the annual immigration quotas set by the Italian government.
• Italian Ancestry: Applicants must be descendants of Italian citizens. While the exact method of proving ancestry is still being clarified, there are no generational limits.

• Job Offer Required: A crucial requirement is a job offer from an Italian employer for a subordinate work position (employee).
• Residence Abroad: Applicants must reside outside of Italy when applying.
• Targeted Countries: This visa is intended for citizens of countries with significant historical Italian emigration. The specific countries will be determined by a decree from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour.

How it Works:

1. Job Offer: The process begins with an Italian employer offering a job to a qualified descendant of an Italian citizen.
2. Work Authorization (Nulla Osta): The Italian employer applies for a work authorization (“nulla osta”) from the Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
3. Visa Application: Once the work authorization is granted, the foreign worker applies for a subordinate work visa at the Italian Consulate in their country of residence.
4. Entry and Contract: Upon arrival in Italy, the employee must sign a first entry contract at the Immigration Office.
5. Residence Permit: The employee then applies for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).

Article 27 of Legislative Decree 286/98:

This article of the Consolidated Immigration Act outlines various categories of work permits that are exempt from quota limitations. The Italian Heritage Work Visa falls under this framework, specifically designed for individuals with Italian roots. Other categories under Article 27 include highly skilled workers, intra-company transfers, and certain professionals.

Important Considerations:

• The implementation details, particularly the list of eligible countries and the method for proving Italian ancestry, are still being finalized. Further decrees from the relevant ministries are expected.
• This visa can be a valuable option for those who may no longer qualify for Italian citizenship by descent due to recent changes in citizenship laws. It provides a pathway to live and work in Italy and potentially apply for citizenship through residency in the future.

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